CHICAGO — The non-waiver trade deadline was Tuesday afternoon, though Royals general manager Dayton Moore appeared only mildly interested in the distinction. His club remained idle during an avalanche of player movement across the sport. He did not move pending free agents Lucas Duda and Jason Hammel. He treated the occasion like he has every day for the past two months.

“This trade market for us began in June,” Moore said.

As contending clubs added pieces, and a few surprising blockbusters materialized, the Royals made just one move to their 25-roster: They promoted a 25-year-old first baseman named Ryan O’Hearn, a former eighth-round pick who was batting .232 at Triple-A Omaha.

O’Hearn took the roster spot of outfielder Brian Goodwin, who landed on the 10-day disabled list with a groin strain. It did not register among the day’s splashier maneuvers. Yet it underscored where the Royals (32-73) are as the calendar turns to August. For two months,...